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Teaching Emerging Scientists: Professional Development Guide to Teaching K-2 Science by Pamela Fraser-Abder provides science content and process, curriculum, instruction, and pedagogy as well as a venue for reflective thought, deliberate action, and experimentation. It assists teachers in developing, implementing, and evaluating their science teaching and their students’ science learning.

As teachers complete the reflections in this book, they will explore the what, why, and how they teach; their deep-seated, often unconscious feelings toward science teaching and learning; and their views on who has ownership of science through their science autobiography and other reflection opportunities. With the information and tools in this book, readers will evolve into outstanding, confident teachers of emerging scientists.

‘’A step by step guide that will improve science … If teachers really want to improve their science teaching, this book will do the trick!The author has a very good grasp of an elementary classroom and writes well for a teacher audience.’’ -Jamie Barnett, Science Coordinator, Cherokee County Schools, Murphy, North Carolina

‘’With the emphasis on teaching science and the required hands-on lessons, I would recommend this text as a book study for a school.’’ -Nancy B. Smoot, Kindergarten Teacher, Clemmons Elementary School, Clemmons, North Carolina

Pamela Fraser-Abder teaches science to aspiring and current K-12 teachers in New York City, where she also consults on K-16 science curriculum and professional development. She currently edits an annual volume on Pedagogical Issues in Science Mathematics and Technology Education and in 2008 received the Steinhardt Teaching Excellence award for her work at New York University.

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Factors Which Influence Your Science Teaching Philosophy

Why Teach Science To Young Children?

Your Personal Context

Who Are You And How Do You Feel About Science?

What Is Your Teaching And Learning Style?

What Are Your Views On Science And Scientists?

What Were Your Early Experiences With Science?

Science Education Then And Now

How has science education changed since the 1950s?

Chapter 2: How Young Children Learn and Think about Science

Can You Recall Your First Experience With Science?

What Are Your Children’s Views Of Science And Scientists?

What Does Research Say About How Young Children View Science And Scientists?

What is Science?

What Are K-2 Children’s Ideas About Science?

How Do Young Children Learn Science?

Children’s Understandings Of Physical Properties

Children’s Understandings Of Animals

Children’s Understandings Of Plants

Children’s Understandings Of Earth Science

What Are Some Common Misconceptions In Your Science Classroom?

Chapter 3: Your Children And Science Learning

Who Are Your Children?

What Are Your Class’ Demographics?

How Can You Develop A Cultural Understanding Of Your Children?

How Can You Use Your Children’s Lived Experiences To Inform Your Teaching?